Semiconductors have the power to drive technological breakthroughs and fuel geopolitical tensions. As we stand on the precipice of change, the path we choose will define the industry’s future.
I recently attended the Industry Strategy Symposium Europe (ISS Europe 2025) in Sopot Poland, hosted by SEMI. This experience gave me firsthand insight into the industry’s complexities and how artificial intelligence and global geopolitics are shaping the future.
Having previously attended the IMAPS International Symposium in Boston, MA, I was eager to compare an American, nation-wide symposium with a European, EU-wide event. Arriving at ISS Europe, I sought to observe, learn, and report on the key themes that reflect the industry’s global landscape.
ISS Europe 2025 focused on AI as a key driver of Europe’s semiconductor competitiveness, and its role in optimizing the semiconductor supply chain. An overarching theme was the necessity of collaboration as the key to Europe’s semiconductor growth and addressing global geopolitical tensions.
The conference provided an intellectual space for industry professionals to discuss the exciting future of semiconductors, explore ways to overcome challenges, and enjoy fine dining and the luxury of the Sheraton Hotel in Sopot.
Collaboration as Europe’s Greatest Strength
A collaborative spirit was at the forefront of the symposium. Various speakers emphasized the European Union’s need to act as a unified force to strengthen its position in the semiconductor market.
The choice of Poland as the host country reflects the EU’s strategic approach to collaboration. As one of Europe’s fastest-growing tech hubs, Poland represents a shift toward a more integrated and geographically diversified ecosystem.
Poland’s presence in the semiconductor space is growing, with investments in research, chip manufacturing, and packaging.
Hosting ISS Europe in Poland underscores the European Union’s recognition that regional partnerships are essential–not just for supply chain resilience, but for ensuring that all member states contribute to and benefit from the industry’s growth.
Giulietta Poltronieri from McKinsey & Company’s Global Semiconductor Practice highlighted the need for resilience in her keynote speech, stating, “No region is truly self-sufficient, and companies in this sector must prioritize implementing resilience measures.” She emphasized that the strength of the European semiconductor industry comes not from dominance of one state, but from collective efforts of the entire region.
The networking receptions clearly demonstrated that a strong semiconductor industry is not built in isolation but thrives on collaboration and teamwork. The sense of community and camaraderie among industry professionals was evident in every coffee and cocktail, with a shared excitement to exchange ideas and achieve advancement at the heart of every conversation.
Global Trends and the European Response
The power of semiconductors knows no borders, and every nation wants a stake. As microchips increasingly play a crucial role in every aspect of technology, society, and act as the lifeblood of all technological innovation, the industry is increasingly becoming integrated with the global political landscape.
“Change is gradual–until it’s sudden. We must be ready for what’s coming,” stated Leonard Hobbs, Director of Government Affairs at Intel. The industry is on the brink of a rapid evolution, driven by AI, the potential of quantum computing, robotic automation, and geopolitical tensions, all of which are set to shape a transformative future.
The ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry is driving export restrictions and reshoring efforts, while the EU seeks to strengthen its semiconductor capabilities through open strategic autonomy, aiming to balance regional self-sufficiency with global connectivity.
The topic of China’s semiconductor ambitions was raised during a press conference with European policymakers and industry leaders, Panelists discussed China’s push for self-sufficiency, limiting foreign market access while aggressively competing globally, which poses challenges for international collaboration.
China’s annual $50 billion subsidy to its semiconductor industry distorts global market dynamics, raising concerns about the ability to mitigate risks when operating in China. This geopolitical tension adds complexity to global partnerships, especially as the U.S, EU, and China explore strategies of localization versus collaboration.
This debate between localization and globalization was a key topic of interest at the symposium, with industry professionals discussing how to balance regional self-sufficiency with international collaboration. Many expressed skepticism about fully localizing supply chains, emphasizing the importance of interconnected networks.
Hendrick Bourgeois, Vice President of Government Affairs at Intel, underscored this, suggesting that, “Europe should remain open to stronger relationships with China while deepening economic ties with other Western nations.” The future promises a complex mix of partnerships and competition.
For me, one of the highlights of ISS Europe was a conversation I had over the Gala Dinner with Adam Piotrowski, CEO of VIGO Photonics.
Over wine and delicious food, we spent most of the meal exploring the industry’s future of localization and globalization–a pressing topic that raises a critical question: Can these global powerhouses collaborate effectively, or is self-reliance key to stability?
Regardless of the outcome, this debate remains central to resilience and adaptability, particularly in supply chain security and talent development.
Building a Resilient Future: Strengthening the Semiconductor Supply Chain and Workforce
Despite the anticipated semiconductor and AI boom, the supply chain remains fragile, concentrated in a few key regions. Europe aims to enhance resilience by diversifying production across the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland.
Gustav Kable, Acting Director of Enabling and Emerging Technologies at DG CNECT, discussed how the upcoming European CHIPS Act 2.0 aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on external suppliers.
Set for review in September 2026, the Act seeks to streamline funding, accelerate project approvals, and ensure more efficient financial support for key industry players.
However, investment alone isn’t enough–the semiconductor industry also needs talent. Victoria Cummings, Senior Manager of Workforce Development & EU Projects at SEMI Europe, highlighted that by 2030, the industry will face a shortage of 75,000 professionals.
The talent gap was addressed further during a panel discussion following Cummings talk on Empowering Europe’s Workforce. Several proposed solutions includes early STEM education programs, increased engagement with universities, and expanded vocational training courses.
These efforts are vital as we look toward a future where the semiconductor industry will play a central role in shaping technological and economic landscapes; as long as we have the people to do so.
Conclusion: A United Vision for the Future
What an honor to attend ISS Europe–a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on the semiconductor industry. We are on the threshold of unprecedented technological advancements–breakthroughs that will redefine industries, economies and global power structures.
Reflecting on both ISS Europe and the Boston IMAPS symposium, the contrast was clear. Boston emphasized strengthening domestic resilience, while ISS Europe championed collaboration as the key to the industry’s future.
The conversations and insights shared at the event made it clear that the next decade will be a defining era for semiconductors, and being part of this dialogue reinforced how crucial innovation, adaptation, and collaboration are in shaping the future.
